North America

North America

Totem Poles of the First Nations in Vancouver Canada. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick

“Through travel I first became aware of the outside world; it was through travel that I found my own introspective way into becoming a part of it.”

– Eudora Welty

Explore the history, diverse cultures and traditions of the North American countries of Canada, Mexico and the United States. North American culture reflects both the cultures of its indigenous people- the Native Americans as well as the culture that is influenced by European Colonization.

The United States is the third largest country in the world and one of the most culturally diverse countries of the world. Described as the ‘melting pot‘ of North America , amalgamation of different cultures has given shape to the unique U.S. culture.

Mexico is the most populous state of North America and one of the largest city in the world.

Canada is the largest country of North American region and covering more than half of the continent’s area.

  • Mackinac Island 0

    Mackinac Island, named by Native Americans for its shape as a turtle, is a northern Michigan island made famous by the Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour movie, "Somewhere in Time".  Just as the Victorian-period movie reflected, Mackinac Island has maintained its old world charm.  Many of the buildings reflect Victorian architecture and there are only two ways to travel around the 9 mile island--by bicycle or horse drawn carriage.  Join World Footprints as well explore the island by horse drawn carriage today.

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    World Footprints travels through Eastern Montana and explores the history and diversity of Big Sky Country's eastern border.   Eastern Montana is a loosely defined region of Montana. Some definitions are more or less inclusive than others, ranging from the most inclusive, which would include the entire part of the state east of the Continental Divide, to the least inclusive, which places the beginning of "eastern" Montana roughly at or even east of Billings, Montana.

  • DSC 0509

    Study abroad and global citizenship were front and center at a recent White House Travel Summit.  The White House invited the most influential travel journalists and bloggers to join Administration officials, policymakers and thought-leaders here in Washington, D.C. to discuss how the U.S can build stronger relationships to the rest of the world with the help of young Americans, especially through study abroad programs.  World Footprints was there and today we will bring you some of the highlights from the speakers and panelists who spoke.

  • Norfolk Doumars

    World Footprints will take you on an exploration of the wonderful city of Norfolk, VA. On today's show we will travel through rich historical neighborhoods like Ghent, meet fascinating residents like the Doumars Family—creators of the ice cream cone, and visit cultural attractions like the Chrysler Museum and Attucks Theatre.

  • Gettysburg civil war.pixabay free license

    World Footprints is pleased share this GOLD Award winning show which was recognized by the North American Travel Journalist Association.   In celebration of Black History Month and the 150 Anniversary Commemoration of the American Civil War and Gettysburg Address, you will see a very compelling side of Gettysburg as told through our guests.

  • San Antonio riverwalk by Nan Palmero

    Today World Footprints will talk travel; specifically international travel and study abroad programs with Yahoo! Travel's Paula Froelich.  Our conversation follows an invitation to the White House to participate in a travel summit focused on encouraging more travel, voluntourism and study-abroad opportunities for Americans.

  • Detroit skyline

    Our audio tour will start with a visit to the Michigan Historical Center and Museum in Lansing where we will offer a flavor of every place in the State between the lower and upper peninsula.  Museum director Linda Endersby and Michigan History Foundation director Cindy Hales will help us learn about the stories of the people who helped shape Michigan.

  • detroit's iconic building, the Renaissance Center

    In what would become one of her final interviews, World Footprints enjoyed a intimate chat with "Global Renaissance Woman" Dr. Maya Angelou. 

  • Charmaine Neville at FQF

    World Footprints returned to New Orleans for our 7th annual French Quarter Festival (FQF) 2-hour broadcast.  This year we set up at Tableau Restaurant, Dickie Brennan's newest culinary gem in Jackson Square.  This second hour of our FQF broadcast explores the unique history of New Orleans with two prominent professors from the University of New Orleans.    The diverse heritages of the people of New Orleans makes this city very unique, interesting and alive with traditions that are not found in any other city in the country.  New Orleans is a place where Africans intermingled with Native Americans and european settlers ultimately creating a sustainable culture that distinguishes New Orleans today.   Dr. Mary Mitchell, History Professor at UNO, joins us to discuss the African contributions to the city and the dynamics that slavery played in the development and culture of this city.   Most people don’t equate compassion and beauty when they think of Voodoo, [...]

  • oak alley plantation pixabay

    World Footprints will take you on a journey through America's heritage through the words of legendary actor Hal Holbrook.  We will travel on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle with our friend Stan Ellsworth--the gregarious American history TV show host of "American Ride". Stan Ellsworth breaks the mold of a high school history teacher.  The 6’2″, 300lb muscle-clad former NFL player is the Harley Davidson-riding host and creator of BYUtv’s American history program American Ride and web series History and the Highway–two programs that he hopes will inspire the next generation of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. And we will go inside the iconic Oak Alley plantation deep in the American south. Oak Alley Plantation is a historic plantation located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, in the community of Vacherie, St. James Parish, Louisiana, U.S. If you'd like to experience a living history lesson or two then tune in because today's World Footprints is just for you. [...]

  • Spanish casserole

    World Footprints is pleased to share Part 2 of the 3-part interview with Emmy Award winning actor Eric Braeden, who plays Victor Newman on The Young & the Restless (CBS Daytime).   Eric talks about his favorite travel destinations and his efforts to foster peace and understanding between Germans and the Jewish community.  Then, enjoy a feast with Spain’s celebrated chef Maria Jose San Roman as she shares the secret ingredient that appears in all of her dishes (and cocktails).  María is a Michelin-starred Spanish chef and restaurateur, renowned for her celebration of iconic Spanish ingredients, refreshingly authentic culinary style and exceptionally high standards. Her signature approach is founded on the low-key evolution of the natural flavours found in the best ingredients that Spain has to offer. Finally, since every day is World Animal Day we are pleased to be joined by Paul Butler, SVP of Global Programs at RARE Conservation, who will discuss [...]

  • man and dogs.travel

    Wayward and hair-raising travel experiences with a true Vagabond and we’ll look at a new travel service that has gone to the dogs.